Noah, France advance in EuroBasket tournament

Joakim Noah posted five points and eight rebounds as France downed Greece 64-56 in Thursday's quarterfinal play at the EuroBasket competition in Lithuania.

France advances to face Russia in the semifinals. Spain and Macedonia already will play one semifinal on Friday, with qualifying berths for the 2012 London Olympics at stake.

Spurs guard Tony Parker led France, a surprise semifinalist, with 18 points. Noah returned after sitting one game with a leg bruise. In typical Noah fashion, he had asked to play in the last game despite the injury. But team doctors held him out for the more important quarterfinal game.